I looked at the two actresses and gave them my best welcome smile.
“Hi!” I held out my hand to Suzanne. “I’m Taryn. Welcome to my home.” She barely took my fingers in hers and quickly shook my hand.
“I’m Suzanne,” she mumbled.
I got the distinct impression that I was supposed to acknowledge that she was famous and I was expected to already know who she was.
“It’s nice to meet you. And you must be Francesca,” I stated warmly, holding my hand out to her.
“Yes,” she said quickly, barely looking at me. Even though she only said one word I could still detect the French accent to her voice. She was as unpleasant to me as I had expected.
“I didn’t have an opportunity to meet you both when you were in my pub, but I’m glad that you came today.” There was no way I was going to be impolite, despite the less than warm reception I was getting in return.
I glanced over to Ryan, who gave me a smile and a nod. He was acknowledging my attempts at being cordial.
“Ladies, can I offer you a drink? We have a large variety of wines downstairs, or any other beverage you might prefer.” I was hoping they might follow me down to the bar. I did not want to be carrying drinks up and down the stairs all night.
Much to my dismay, Suzanne wrapped her coat across her chest and plopped her ass down in one of the chairs. “I’ll have a glass of white wine.”
Francesca sat down next to her. My wishes for them to return to the bar were in vain. While I was running downstairs I was going to make it worth the trip.
“Francesca, can I get you something to drink?” I asked nicely.
Before she responded, the rooftop door opened again and several new people joined us.
I recognized Shane Richards right away; he had come into the pub once before with Ryan and Cal. Next to him was a petite, twenty-something looking woman with short blond hair and another man who was lanky with too much gel in his brown hair.
Ryan came to my side and he was smiling at our new guests.
“Hey everyone!” the young woman said. “Hey Ryan!” She came right over to us.
I didn’t know who she was, but it didn’t matter. She was all aglow and looking like she wanted to have a good time, not like the other two who were glaring at me from their perches.“Taryn, this is Kathleen Jarrett. She plays my wicked little assistant in our film.” He smiled and gave her a teasing arm hug around her neck.
“Kat, this is Taryn.”
“Hey Taryn!” Kathleen greeted me. I held my hand out to her but instead she gave me a hug. “It’s nice to finally meet you!”
“It’s nice to meet you too!” I said while hugging her back. I was curious as to what she meant by ‘finally;’ I looked over at Ryan, slightly confused.
He was just smiling.
“Ryan has told me a lot about you,” she whispered in my ear. “I’m just so glad to see him happy.”
“Taryn, this is Ben… Ben Harrison.” Kathleen motioned to the man next to her.
“Hi Ben. It’s nice to meet you.” I held out my hand, but the way Kathleen was bobbing around, I wondered if she would pull us all in for a group hug. I was relieved when Ben shook my hand instead.
Ryan leaned over and whispered in my ear. “I’m allowed to tell you that they are together, even though their characters are mortal enemies. I told Kat that you’re very trustworthy.”
His eyes flashed to look at Kat, but she was just smiling and bouncing with happiness.
“They’ve been seeing each other for a while, but it’s not public knowledge. They’d prefer if the public stays out of their private life.”
“I completely understand,” I replied. Apparently Ryan had been sharing his private life details with her. It didn’t matter; she looked like she was trustworthy too.
“Ryan, do you think we can get everyone back down into the pub for a minute? That way I can get everyone drinks and we can start eating soon.” I was also thinking about my friends, who were noticeably absent from the rooftop gathering.
Ryan made an announcement and ushered everyone towards the door. I was relieved that he took charge. I didn’t want to offend anyone, especially the two that were still glaring at me. The more they glared, the less I wanted to wait on them hand and foot.
Kelly and Kat stopped as we proceeded through my apartment.
“What do you guys think?” Ryan asked them, looking around at my apartment.
“This is a really cool apartment,” Kat said excitedly. “It’s huge!”